elf that sloped
from the base of the volcano to the western shore.

As the MTB plowed toward the island more details became visible. There
was a very small crescent of beach on the northern shore, but black
volcanic rock dropped into the sea in most places.

"Let's see what the rest of this place looks like," Zircon directed.

Rick put the MTB on a curving course that would take them completely
around the island, about a hundred yards offshore. They left the
northern coast and passed the eastern edge of the island. Surf broke on
the black volcanic rock on the eastern shore, except at one point where
there appeared to be a fair-sized cove.

The southern shore was equally forbidding until the volcanic cone was
passed. There was a large cove where the land shelf met the volcano.
Docks could be seen, and a few vintas. Apparently this was the island's
boat anchorage.

Zircon nodded his satisfaction. "We seem to have something here, boys.
It's an ideal spot for a pirate stronghold. Notice they didn't try to
follow us, or cut us off anywhere except on the west? That's because the
island is a natural fortress, except for the western land slope. They
need only look for trouble from the west."

The MTB was in sight of the pirate fleet again. They were still in a
battle array to protect the vulnerable western shore. The line of vintas
formed a long curve from a point just off the pirate anchorage around
the western shore to where the volcano rose from the land shelf on the
north.

"I'll stay out of rifleshot," Rick said. "Take a look at the village
through the long glass, Professor. There may be some sign of Shannon and
Tony."

"I'm not hopeful about that," Zircon replied. "They'd be under cover."

The pirates made no move to follow the MTB on its curving course around
their battle line. Apparently the vintas were holding position in a
planned defense. Across the vinta line, Rick could see a field of what
appeared to be grain, separated by a street from a field of what was
certainly corn. The village itself was of nipa shacks on stilts, all of
them located near the volcano. There were a few trees, mostly mango and
avocado.

"Plenty room for plenty pirates," Chahda commented.

Rick grinned mirthlessly. "You're so right." The village would provide
housing for three or four hundred, anyway.

"No sign of volcanic activity," Scotty said. "It must be a dead volcano.
Anyway, I don't think even pirates would be foolish enou